The ambitious 1,800-kilometer road project connecting Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR) is set to be executed in phases, according to a report by Sputnik Africa. The construction will progress across borders, starting from Uganda into South Sudan, and then from South Sudan into CAR.
The project will be implemented in two main phases. Phase I will focus on urgent repairs, gravel road upgrades, and bridge maintenance to make the corridor navigable and secure for trade. Phase II will involve tarmacking gravel roads and rehabilitating paved routes to create a durable, high-capacity corridor that can support growing commercial traffic over time. These phases aim to improve access and boost regional trade.
By adopting a phased approach, the three countries involved—Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic—can prioritize critical sections of the corridor while gradually mobilizing resources for broader, long-term improvements. Financing for the project will be secured through a combination of national budgets, international development partners, and private-sector investments.
The strategic sequencing of the project from Uganda through South Sudan to CAR reflects a commitment to boosting intra-African trade, especially in landlocked and infrastructure-challenged areas. The initiative aims to enhance regional integration and economic growth across East and Central Africa.
The project routes will stretch from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, to Bangui, the capital of CAR, passing through South Sudan. South Sudan’s Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, highlighted the significance of the project for regional integration. He mentioned proposed major routes connecting the three countries, emphasizing their importance in promoting trade and economic cooperation.
The regional trade corridor will address special trade needs by shortening delivery times, lowering logistics expenses, and improving trade reliability for businesses of all sizes. It will provide an alternative East-West trade route, easing congestion on traditional North-South pathways and enhancing regional trade resilience.
Furthermore, the corridor will support post-conflict recovery in South Sudan and CAR by promoting infrastructure-led growth, improving livelihoods, and fostering stability. It will also serve as a crucial route for humanitarian and security operations in fragile border areas.
Once completed, the Kampala–Bangui corridor is expected to emerge as a vital economic artery linking East and Central Africa. It will enhance access to markets, promote stability through increased economic interdependence, and contribute to the overall development of the region.
